Analytical Chemistry I and Laboratory M - Z

Module Module 2

The course aims to provide students with fundamental tools for quantitative analysis dealing with ionic equilibria in solution by using the most significant volumetric and gravimetric methods in analytical chemistry. The purpose of the course is to give a global vision of the analytical process from the selection of the method of analysis to data processing and critical discussion of the results.

Knowledge and understanding:

Understanding the basic concepts of the classical methods of volumetric and gravimetric analysis as well as their applications. Knowledge of the basis of statistics for the treatment of experimental data.

Applying knowledge and understanding:

Development of tools for understanding the methods and procedures for quantitative chemical analysis as well as acquisition of the practical skills for carrying out volumetric and gravimetric experiments in laboratory. Development of a critical way of thinking for the presentation of the analytical data obtained.

Making judgements:

Ability to independently solve an analytical problem using volumetric/gravimetric methods as well as to interpret experimental data on the basis of the acquired knowledge and laboratory experiments.

Communication skills:

Acquiring proper language skills and ability to rigorously expose the topics covered in the course.

Learning skills:

Capability to develop tools and skills to successfully undertake further study paths with a high level of autonomy.

Class lectures, exercises, presentation of the lab experiments, treatment of the analytical data. Experiments in laboratory on volumetric and gravimetric analysis.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Course introduction. Elements of statistics. Errors in analytical chemistry. Presentation of data and results. Position and dispersion index. Most common statistical tests.

Analytical measurement instrumentations. Precision, accuracy, sensitivity. Laboratory apparatuses: analytical balance and calibrated glassware.

Volumetric analysis. General principles on titrations. Preparation of standard solutions. Primary standards. Standardization procedures. Acid-base titrations. Indicators. Acidimetric and alkalimetric determination of sodium tetraborate.

Precipitation titrations. Determination of chloride by Mohr, Fajans, and Volhard methods. Carbonate/chloride separation.

Gravimetric analysis. Analysis by precipitation. Formation, nature and size of precipitates. Gravimetric determination of Ni²⁺ as the bis-dimethylglioximate complex.

Complexometric titrations. EDTA titrations. Metallochromic indicators. Determination of Cu²⁺.

Redox titrations. Methods based on the use of permanganate. Determination of Fe²⁺. Iodometry. Determination of Cu²⁺.

1. I. M. Kolthoff, E. B. Sandell, E. J. Meehan, S. Bruckenstein, “Analisi Chimica Quantitativa”, Piccin, Padova

2. D. C. Harris, “Chimica Analitica Quantitativa”, terza ed., Zanichelli, Bologna

3. F. J. Holler, S. R. Crouch, “Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica”, terza ed., Edises, Napoli

4. M. Garetto, "Statistica, lezioni ed esercizi", Università di Torino

5. E. De Simoni, "Chimica Analitica", CUL, Bologna

Oral exam.

Students will have to prepare and submit on time (i.e., no later than one week after each lab session) a report describing the experimental procedure and the results obtained for each lab experiment. Reports for all the lab experiments carried out have to be submitted to access the exam.

The oral exam will consist of a discussion aimed at verifying the level of knowledge of the topics and the analytical methods presented in classes and applied in lab experiments. The content of the lab reports will also be critically discussed.

The tests might be carried out also remotely/on-line if required by special conditions/events.

Calculation of the error in a volumetric titration. Procedure for the standardization of EDTA solutions. Issues related to the use of permanganate solutions. Acid-base indicators. Calculation of the relative and absolute error as well as of the exact concentration of a solution.